We are pleased to share with you the 2023 State of Child Health in Aotearoa report. This report, created in collaboration with Cure Kids, the NZ Child and Youth Epidemiology Service at the University of Otago, the Paediatric Society of New Zealand, and other expert advisors, provides a vital overview of the current health outcomes for our tamariki.
Key areas of focus in this year's report include:
Respiratory conditions: These continue to be the leading cause of child hospitalisations, particularly affecting children under one year old.
Rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease: This preventable disease still disproportionately impacts Māori and Pasifika children, with alarming rates of hospitalisation.
Skin infections: High rates of preventable skin infections remain prevalent, especially in children from deprived areas.
Dental disease: Socioeconomic factors play a significant role in high levels of dental disease and hospitalisation for tooth decay.
Mental health concerns: The growing mental health crisis among young people is particularly concerning, with a significant increase in psychological distress over the last decade.
This report serves as a powerful reminder that, while progress has been made in some areas, many health inequities persist, particularly for Māori, Pasifika, and children in areas of high deprivation. Our collective effort is essential in addressing these inequities and ensuring all children in Aotearoa can thrive.
We encourage you to review the report, reflect on its findings, and consider how we, as healthcare providers and advocates for child health, can continue to work towards improved outcomes for all tamariki.
The full report is attached for your convenience.
Ngā mihi nui,
Te Kāhui Mātai Arotamariki o Aotearoa | Paediatric Society of New Zealand